Air Patrol Squadron educates area community and youth

Published 10:20 am Wednesday, June 21, 2023

When Civil Air Patrol isn’t busy saving lives in the wake of disaster or supporting the U.S. Air Forces, the auxiliary spends its time educating its surrounding community and youth about aerospace.

The Lake Country Composite Squadron 555, or “Triple Nickle” to its members, makes bringing a passion for aviation in Greensboro and surrounding areas a part of its mission.

The squadron serves as the Air Forces Civilian Auxiliary, in addition to a non-profit organization for adults and youth ages 12 to 18. Visitors are welcome to meetings on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Oconee Academy in Greensboro.

First Lt. Commander John Honea (SER-GA-555) says the program attracts the best and brightest of local retired, military, airline and community professionals to run itssquadron and the best of the community.

The local youth taught by CAP trained adults have the opportunity to receive hands-on experience in aviation. The program offers a wide-range of tools and skills, including STEM training, flight training, drone piloting, and radio operations.

“We also work to educate the general public in the aerospace side of the house as far as changes in technology and aerospace within the community itself,” said Honea.

CAP is responsible for developing, publishing and distributing science, technical, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) aerospace education materials for all ages nationwide. The curriculum encourages participants to work toward STEM careers based in aviation, space and technology.

The aerospace education contains more than 40 free educational programs, products and services that engages both adults and youth ages K-12. Adult and teacher members have the opportunity to receive grants and college credit opportunities.

Triple Nickle is actively looking to partner with local emergency services by offering support in the sky from missing person cases to criminals on the run.

CAP’s emergency services can also provide transportation for time-sensitive medical materials, blood products or body tissues, as well as post-disaster photography and support to local, state and national agencies.

Adults are not the only ones who can offer their support to emergency services. Triple Nickle’s youth members offer their support on the ground by operating radios to communicate with the pilots in the sky.

The unit offers cadet programs, centered on aerospace, fitness and character development for its youth members. Cadets can participate in orientation flights in powered and glider aircrafts, activities and competitions, color guard/drill team and emergency service missions through this program.

“We give a venue for our Senior members who have flying experience,” said Honea. “To come back and work with us in several various mission applications, such as search and rescue positions, or also being able to do orientation flights for different cadets of both JROTC or Civil Air Patrol Cadets.”

Orientation flights are free to cadets and allow the them gain firsthand experience in aviation. Cadets get the chance to fly the plane once it is in the air, but CAP’s volunteer licensed pilots are in complete control.

High-achieving cadets can apply for flight training and college scholarships. Honea’s son attended CAP’s Powered Flight Academy where he got flight time and was eligible for a flight training scholarship. Some scholarships cover the cost for students to get their private pilot’s license.

CAP has found that students who participate in cadet program are more likely to pursue careers in military, aviation and STEM. Cadets also make around 10 percent of each U.S. Air Force Academy’s classes.

The best way to get involved with the Lake Country Composite Squadron 555 is by attending Thursday meetings. Local leaders interested in serving the local community and saving lives can reach out to Honea with any questions at john.honea@gawg.cap.gov.